“We raised the price $1 only on our 3-pound, 10-inch cherry pie,” Achatz says. “We couldn’t see passing it on to the customer, and we’re riding out the storm.”

At Brownwood Farms in Traverse City, owner Jeff Hughes says that even with the huge price increases for local fruit, the company is not deviating from its mission.

“We’ve stayed true to our message to support Michigan farmers,” Hughes says. “We are a Michigan-based company making products using Michigan-based fruit.”

Not every producer, however, has been able to overcome the obstacles the weather caused. The Christmas Cove Farm in Northport, for example, will not be shipping its antique apples this year. Such cases, however, are rare.

This year, consider sending such Michigan flavor as award-winning artisan cheeses. Jams and jellies made from other fruit of the wilds. Pasties from Pasty Central in Calumet, where signature meat pies are handmade — including the dough — and hand-formed.

Our annual mail-order food guide has some newcomers this year, including the Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire, which makes its artisan chocolates only with sustainably grown South American chocolate.

Also new to our list is Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee, created by Dave Chmielewski.

For years, Chmielewski, 63, a retired Detroit firefighter, made his special toffee for friends and family. But his son Andrew Chmielewski saw an opportunity to market it and produce it on a larger scale.

The toffee, available in four varieties, is addicting.

“It seems the more people have of it, the more people want it,” says Dave Chmielewski.

As you peruse our guide for that perfect gift, be aware that some companies have a cut-off date for orders to be shipped in time for the holidays. Some also have specific shipping dates. Also keep in mind that shipping is extra in most cases, unless stated.